IT’S a long road for Tamworth father Chris Berkhout who is hoping his pedal-powered round trip will help raise suicide awareness.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In November, Mr Berkhout will set off from Tamworth on his way to Inverell, on what has become an annual pilgrimage dedicated to bettering mental health.
“This is my recovery and my way to deal with the death of son,” he said.
Mr Berkhout’s son, Jarrod, committed suicide and the father hopes his trek can open up more conversations about mental health.
“To make awareness of suicide because I don’t think many people talk about it, it is something that is kept behind closed doors,” he said.
“This is my little part for it.”
This is Mr Berkhout’s third time cycling to Inverell and riding shotgun is his beloved dog Tezza.
Not looking to raise a sum of money, Mr Berkhout encouraged supporters to donate funds to headspace.
“For one life to be saved, then I’ve done what I set out to do,” he said.
Departing November 8, Mr Berkhout has invited locals to ride with him to Attunga.